"If you don't like the President, it costs you 90 bucks to fly to Washington to picket. If you don't like the Governor, it costs you 60 bucks to fly to Albany to picket. If you don't like me, 90 cents"

Edward Koch, the former mayor of New york city City, was understood for his straight-talking and witty disposition. This quote encapsulates his particular blend of humor and candor, while all at once dealing with the ease of access of political discourse and demonstration.

Koch's declaration cleverly juxtaposes the varying costs and viewed barriers associated with directly facing different levels of political authority. By beginning with the President, a figure of national prominence, he highlights the geographical and economic range between residents and the highest levels of federal government. The reference of $90, presumably the expense of an aircraft ticket to Washington, D.C., highlights both the monetary and logistical difficulty involved in personally challenging or expressing dissatisfaction with the President's policies.

He then moves to the Governor, the executive leader of a state, recommending that however closer than the federal government, there remains a degree of separation. The lowered expense of $60 to Albany, which represents the state capital of New York, illustrates a lessened yet still significant barrier to direct demonstration or engagement with state leadership.

Finally, Koch brings the focus to himself, highlighting the immediate proximity he shares with his constituents. By mentioning it costs "90 cents", most likely referring to a train fare within New York City, he represents himself as an available leader, friendly and straight liable to the public. This can be translated as a testimony to his belief in the importance of local governance and the mayor's role as the public's representative who is literally near individuals, in both physical and political terms.

Through this comparison, Koch effectively highlights the value of local governance and democratic participation at the city level. The quote not just emphasizes his openness to public opinion and protest however likewise discreetly critiques the distancing typically found in higher tiers of government. Ultimately, it resonates as a suggestion of the power dynamics in political systems and the relative ease with which residents can engage with their instant local leaders.